Generation NOW: Listening to Young America
Daniel & band with high school students from Harrisonburg, Virginia
Audiences will hear stories told by students Kelly met on his travels - students in grade school, high school and college, living in places like Memphis, Wyoming, Iowa, Virginia & New York City, including young immigrants from countries all around the world who call America their home.
Their stories range from humorous to tragic and powerfully describe their dreams and struggles: growing up on a ranch, neighborhood life in the city, personal experiences with immigration, the death of a parent and more. Audiences will hear original music composed in direct response to these recorded interviews performed by Kelly’s band of world-class musicians.
Ideal for audiences in grades 6-12
“A superb example of how the arts can be used to bring communities together in creative ways.”
“Daniel really connected with the students….They will never forget this affirming experience.”
Listen to the voices of Generation NOW:
One of the young teenagers I met in my travels described her experience as a Mexican living in the US. This song, Across the Line, expands upon the story of how her brother was deported and separated from his America wife and newborn child.
“The right time for such a warm message….so real and heartfelt.”
I met a charismatic young teenager who had just moved from the Bronx in New York City to farmland of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The way he spoke about the differences between the two places was really funny. His interview is followed by an arrangement of the folk song “Oh Shenandoah.” Although the lyrics of the song mention the Missouri River, the song remains an anthem for the people of the Shenandoah Valley.